Although Kyler Murray’s return to professional baseball appears improbable, recent events have reopened dialogue surrounding the possibility. The Athletics’ general manager, David Forst, confirmed in an interview with MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos that the organization remains receptive should Murray decide to revisit his baseball career. This development comes amid increasing speculation following Murray’s expected release from the Arizona Cardinals entering the new NFL league year on March 11th.
Initially selected ninth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Oakland Athletics saw Murray as a rare athlete capable of excelling on the baseball field and the football gridiron. The team signed him with a $4.66 million bonus, anticipating his start as a professional baseball player. However, Murray ultimately chose football after a standout college football season, winning the Heisman Trophy and later becoming the first overall pick by the Cardinals in 2019.
From Two-Sport Prospect to NFL Quarterback
Murray’s dual-sport talent was evident at the University of Oklahoma, where he showcased speed and power as a center fielder and quarterback. During his last college baseball season, he hit .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs over 51 games, which led scouts to believe he had the potential to become a five-tool outfielder. Despite the promise in baseball, his exceptional football skills and NFL opportunities swayed his decision toward professional football.
Since joining the NFL, Murray has become the cornerstone of the Cardinals franchise. Recent reports indicate that Arizona plans to release the 28-year-old signal-caller, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. While sources generally expect him to sign with another NFL team, this situation has naturally sparked renewed speculation about a potential baseball comeback.
A’s Willingness to Explore a Baseball Comeback
When Murray committed to football in 2019, the Athletics placed him on Major League Baseball’s restricted list, which meant he forfeited much of his original signing bonus but allowed the A’s to retain his baseball rights. This status means that if Murray opts to return to baseball, the Athletics would continue to control the pathway for his professional baseball career.
David Forst expressed a cautiously hopeful stance, emphasizing the organization’s openness.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,”
Forst said.
“That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”
This attitude underscores the Athletics’ respect for Murray as an athlete and their willingness to entertain any decision he might consider regarding shifting back to baseball, despite the length of time since he left the sport professionally.
The Realistic Outlook on Murray’s Athletic Future
Given Murray’s achievements and profile as a starting NFL quarterback, his continuation in football remains the most plausible scenario. Veteran quarterbacks with his caliber rarely remain unsigned for long, and multiple teams in need of an experienced leader are expected to pursue him aggressively. However, the distinctiveness of Murray’s two-sport background keeps the baseball possibility uniquely alive in public conversations.
The Athletics’ retention of his rights highlights an exceptional case in professional sports, where a top NFL prospect was simultaneously regarded as a promising major league baseball talent. With the new NFL league year approaching, any decisions Murray makes will draw significant attention from both football and baseball fans.
Upcoming Athletics and MLB Season Preview
As the baseball offseason progresses, the Athletics prepare for spring training starting between February and March, with their Opening Day game scheduled for March 27th against the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, conversations about MLB expansion, player movements, and long-term team developments continue to engage fans and analysts alike.
